Family holiday to Phuket with wife and 20 month old twins. Overall a very good stay when you get into the rhythm of the resort. Andara is an interesting concept - in essence it is a mountain side hotel centred around a main area which houses a large pool, bar, restaurant and spa. What sets it apart is that surrounding the hotel are multiple private villas that are available to book ranging from 3 bedrooms to 7 bedrooms with access to the hotel facilities but in parallel, have their own staff (private chef and house keeping). Firstly the reservation process and support were exceptional - either by email or by phone. We had multiple questions travelling with young children and everything was answered in detail and very promptly. I would also say the front desk and concierge team (especially Chompu & Emily) were also excellent with nothing being too much trouble - they were even kind enough to order in special milk for our children. Free transfers (including car seats) to and from the airport - Phuket airport is a bit chaotic but no major traumas and the team were there to greet us on exit. We had 2 separate reservations as part of an extended stay. The first reservation we stayed in a 3 bedroom pool suite within the 'hotel' and the second we stayed in a Villa (18) with private pool, private chef and housekeeping. Very decadent! Both...Family holiday to Phuket with wife and 20 month old twins. Overall a very good stay when you get into the rhythm of the resort.

Andara is an interesting concept - in essence it is a mountain side hotel centred around a main area which houses a large pool, bar, restaurant and spa. What sets it apart is that surrounding the hotel are multiple private villas that are available to book ranging from 3 bedrooms to 7 bedrooms with access to the hotel facilities but in parallel, have their own staff (private chef and house keeping).

Firstly the reservation process and support were exceptional - either by email or by phone. We had multiple questions travelling with young children and everything was answered in detail and very promptly. I would also say the front desk and concierge team (especially Chompu & Emily) were also excellent with nothing being too much trouble - they were even kind enough to order in special milk for our children. Free transfers (including car seats) to and from the airport - Phuket airport is a bit chaotic but no major traumas and the team were there to greet us on exit.

We had 2 separate reservations as part of an extended stay. The first reservation we stayed in a 3 bedroom pool suite within the 'hotel' and the second we stayed in a Villa (18) with private pool, private chef and housekeeping. Very decadent! Both were excellent, immaculately clean and while the decor was quite dark and a little dated in style (think 'Balinese' woods), everything was super comfortable, especially the ,mattresses and linens, and both the room and then the villa were exceptionally spacious and well laid out. Surprisingly well equipped gym with free weights and even a squat rack and a good in resort spa.

All of the staff were fantastic - amazing Thai hospitality - and the GM (Daniel - Swiss) is a seasoned professional who knows the region and seems to take great pride in delivering an excellent product and service.

As the resort is on the mountainside, and is overall quite big (although it doesn't feel large), you mostly get around by golf buggy or in-resort shuttle - but the service is ultra quick and never disruptive.

I also want to mention the Kids Club / Playroom - whilst this is a little dated and on the smaller side, it is VERY clean, all of the toys and activities work and most importantly, the staff were great with our kids. It is low season so the resort appeared to be quiet which meant the kids were given a lot of attention (as they are under 4 they also need a parent / nanny physically present).

In terms of food, the only restaurant on site was good (especially for Thai food as you'd expect) and service was excellent. Breakfast was buffet centric with some a la carte items (eggs / pancakes etc). During the second part of our stay at the Villa, our chef (Ma - "Bear") was brilliant - catering to any request and especially taking care of the children. We simply told her what we were thinking of eating 24 hours in advance and she then orders the ingredients and cooks (very very well) around your timing. Our housekeeper (Honey Bee) was also brilliant, keeping the villa spotless and was also lovely with the children.

Whilst the resort does not have a beach, it does offer a free 24 / 7 shuttle service around the Kamala area - this meant we could get down to Kamala beach (5 mins) and hire some deck chairs / umbrellas with the children for a couple of hours to have some fun. The shuttle would pick us up whenever needed after a quick phone call. Very very good (thank you Boom our driver!). Kamala is a relatively quiet part of Phuket (although Cafe Del Mar is there on Kamala beach and was good fun for two millennial parents on date night away from the kids.....) . Surin, Patong and other areas are easy to get to.

Whilst there were a couple of issues with hot water, these were dealt with very efficiently (seamlessly!) by the team - Daniel also kindly followed up with us - and did not affect what was a great stay.

Given the set up, I would highly recommend this for families or even groups. Very very good service, exceptionally clean and well maintained and a lovely hard working team.

Thank you Andara, Daniel and Team, we will be back.More